Radiographic characteristics of the maxillomandibular complex in neufibromatosis: short communication and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To report radiographic characteristics of a case of a patient with neurofibromatosis involving the maxillomandibular complex and to point out other dental radiographic characteristics that are found in the scientific literature to help the dentist when faced with a case of neurofibromatosis. SHORT COMMUNICATION: Male, 31 years old, referred for radiographic examination. During anamnesis and physical examination, lesions were noted, which were papules and café-au-lait patches larger than 1 cm on the trunk and upper limbs, further to Lisch nodules (brown spots on the iris) and axillary and inguinal ephelides. When investigating the history of the disease, the patient reported the presence of such skin atlterations since birth and mentioned that his mother had been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis. During radiographic evaluation, a significant increase in the caliber of the mandibular canal and mental foramen was observed, bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Completing the combination of skin characteristics present in the patient, anamnesis data and current history of the disease with interpretation of radiographic alterations, it was possible to arrive at the diagnostic hypothesis of Neurofibromatosis type 1 and correct clinical management. Therefore, it is extremely important for the dentist to be aware of the clinical, physical and radiographic characteristics that this condition presents for the correct management and success of dental treatment.

Prevalence of retromolar canal and its association with mandibular molars: study in CBCT.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the presence and characteristics of the retromolar canal and association with mandibular molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). STUDY DESIGN: CBCT images of 200 consecutive patients were analyzed using the Anatomage Invivo 5® software. Retromolar canal present evaluated the type of trajectory, buccal or lingual location, uni or bilateral, origin and final diameters. Pearson's Chi square test was used to verify the association between the retromolar canal and the presence of the third molar (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of the retromolar canal was 24.5%. The oblique trajectory was the most common (33.3% on the right side and 50% on the left side). Buccal location was the most frequent (right side 50% and left side 70%). The unilateral canal was the most frequent (77.6%). As for the caliber, the diameters vary from 1.12 to 2.37 mm. Regarding the association between the retromolar canal and the third molar, there was no statistically significant difference (right side p = 0.60 and left side p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: The retromolar canal is not a rare anatomical variation showing a prevalence of 24.5%. Surgical procedures should consider the presence of the retromolar canal to avoid excessive bleeding, considering its significant caliber.